The Importance of Giving Children the Freedom to Express Themselves

Posted : January 11, 2020

As your children grow up they develop their own likes and dislikes and enjoy having a little bit more freedom when it comes to making decisions. It’s also an important part of their personal development. Of course, as parents you know there are times when you can give them that freedom and times when you can’t, either due to safety concerns, beliefs or any number of other reasons.

If your child is craving a little more independence there are lots of ways in which you can give it to them while they can show you they deserve that additional freedom and trust.

Let them choose

Giving you kids the choice in something, even as simple as letting them choose what to wear at the weekend, is a great way for them to learn about putting something – such as an outfit – together. You might not like it, but if it isn’t inappropriate then there shouldn’t be any reason for you to ask them to change. Just because your child has selected to wear purple for a family day out and you prefer them in green is no reason to ask them to change.

If, however, they’ve chosen an outfit that could cause them discomfort; for instance, if they’ve chosen to wear long trousers on a sweltering hot day, it’s ok to mention once that maybe they will get warm, but if they’re happy with their decision leave it at that. Your child is perfectly capable of going to their room and getting changed if they need to. Of course, if it’s freezing and snowing and your son or daughter has selected shorts, discuss the health implications and encourage them to change or to put a pair of tights or leggings on underneath.

Other ways they can express themselves safely while also learning the importance of decision making is when planning their birthday party or decorating their bedroom. You can give them a healthy list of options and then let them make the final decision. This has the effect of letting them have some independence and also showing you what their own, personal preference about something important might be. For tweens and teens, it might surprise you as they do go through a lot of change!

Freedom as a reward?

If it works for you then it’s a great idea, just let your kids know they can always ask for your help with something if they’re unsure. And, if they break your rules in a big way you can always withdraw some privileges and temporarily limit some freedoms.

Of course, freedom to think and express yourself is an important way to understand more about yourself, what makes you happy and what upsets you. But, it’s a good idea to discuss the impact our own behaviour has on others – just because one person loves listening to rock music at a loud volume at midnight doesn’t mean everyone in the street does. Help them to be considerate and find ways of enjoying their tastes and preferences in a way that doesn’t hurt or really offend someone else’s outlook.

Freedom of expression can be applied to almost anything: choice of books, clothing style, sports, shoes, animals, art, favourite TV or music star. If you want to give them the ability and freedom to select these things in a safe online environment, then bachchay.com is perfect as they won’t come across any inappropriate content because this site is only for items children need.  

With so many ways for kids to express themselves, it’s great and also important, to encourage a little freedom of expression from an early age – would your child like to draw, paint or play outside – let them choose!